Alleged Hamilton arsonist found with lighter, hands covered in ‘ash-like’ dust
A man charged with arson over three house fires along the same road in an affluent suburb in Brisbane’s north has been granted bail.
Fire crews were called to the house on Nudgee Road at Hamilton on May 30.Credit:Olivia Wilbury
An abandoned property on Nudgee Road went up in flames on May 30 and another fire was allegedly lit at the neighbouring property on June 1.
On Monday, June 15, another fire started at the first property.
Peter Leslie Williams, 49, who was arrested and charged that day, appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
CCTV footage from businesses and homes showed a suspect on a mountain bike near the properties before and after the fires.
A hidden police camera at 24 Nudgee Road, placed before the third fire, captured the moments before it was lit.
One of the houses at Hamilton ablaze in May.Credit:Nine News, Twitter
Police prosecutor Sergeant Mark Hughes told the court police found Mr Williams with a mountain bike.
“When he was arrested, police located a cigarette lighter, a backpack and his hands were covered in a dirt, ash-like substance,” he said.
“Inside the backpack police located a box containing a juicer, he smelt strongly of smoke and had a different hat in his bag and another shirt.”
However, Mr Williams had told police he had been attending races at Eagle Farm and the Toombul Shopping Centre, the court heard.
His partner cried loudly in court during the proceedings.
Legal Aid lawyer Elliot Boddice told the court Mr Williams had ADHD and schizophrenia and was undergoing community service for a previous non arson-related offence.
He said Mr Williams was also the carer of his partner.
Mr Boddice sought bail for the accused, while Sergeant Hughes opposed it.
Mr Williams was granted bail and ordered not to go to Hamilton.
He was set to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 12.
Jocelyn Garcia is a journalist at the Brisbane Times, covering breaking news and crime.